PHILADELPHIA – November 3, 2009 – The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia urges SEPTA travelers to bike instead of driving. Commuters who bike will win out over those stuck in traffic jams of epic proportions.”Avoid the crush and bike the strike,” says Alex Doty, Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. “Bike the Strike to save time, money and help shrink your waistline. Plus, I guarantee you will have more fun than anyone trying to drive during the strike.”

In cooperation with Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation and Utilities, the Bicycle Coalition has established a Bike the Strike station at City Hall (Dillworth Plaza). The station has bike parking corrals, free coffee, bike maps and Bicycle Ambassadors on hand to give tips on bike commuting and personalized route planning.

Keeping safe while bicycling is critical. “Bicycles are considered vehicles, so we also urge all bicyclists to obey the rules of the road,” said Education Director Breen Goodwin. “It’s important for all bicyclists to be civil, courteous and comply with traffic laws, such as walking their bikes on sidewalks and stopping at all signals, to ensure the everyone’s safety.”

BIKE THE STRIKE

Fastest Option

For those who commute four miles or less, bicycling instead of driving will get you to your destination faster and will take no longer than using a bus or trolley.

A Center City District study found that bicycling by following the rules of the road is always faster than walking, driving or taking the bus across Center City during rush hour.

Healthiest Option

Commuting by bicycle for 15 minutes each way (about 2-3 miles) meets the Center for Disease Control’s minimum recommendation of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day

Regular physical activity may help reduce your risk for many diseases including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancers, and osteoporosis. It also helps to control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; and reduces falls among older adults.

Safety First

Bicyclists are not pedestrians with two wheels. Bikes are vehicles and must comply with traffic laws just as motor vehicles do.

Bicycles should stop at all red lights and walk their bikes on sidewalks.

Stop by your local bike shop during the strike for a free bicycle safety check

On a typical day in Philadelphia, 11,000 bike-to-work trips are taken.

1.6 % of commuters ride their bike to work; Philadelphia has the highest percentage of bike-to-work commuters of the country’s largest 10 cities

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The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is a 1,600-member organization that makes bicycling better by promoting the bicycle as a healthy, low-cost and environmentally friendly form of transportation and recreation. www.bicyclecoalition.org